UTSA Commencement Close-Up: Eduardo Perez, College of Education and Human Development

(Dec. 12, 2013) -- Meet Eduardo Perez. As a bilingual educator, he has seen firsthand the need for Latino male role models in young Latinos' lives.

At 37 years old, Perez already has a solid teaching career with 13 years of experience. But, he knew that earning a master's degree in bicultural-bilingual studies would create opportunities he wouldn't otherwise have.

Perez grew up in a small West Texas town where speaking Spanish was considered a liability rather than an asset. He honed his bilingual skills during his undergraduate studies when he traveled to Mexico and began learning more about his heritage. He will graduate with his master's degree in bicultural-bilingual studies this month.

In bilingual education, a field where women are more commonly found, Perez stands out as a hard worker and classroom community builder, said Patricia Sánchez, associate professor in the Department of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies.

"He is a strong voice for bilingualism and biculturalism and I have no doubt he will be a leader at his campus or other workplace in the future," Sánchez added.

Perez now teaches second grade at North East Independent School District, but hopes his master's degree in bicultural-bilingual studies from the College of Education and Human Development will propel him to higher positions in the educational system. Perez says his professors have encouraged him to dream big.

"I can say I'm proud to be a Roadrunner because this university saw something in me," he said.

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Come out and enjoy breakfast and beverages at the Official UTSA Tailgate in Albuquerque as our Roadrunners take on the New Mexico Lobos at the Gildan New Mexico Bowl. The official UTSA tailgate will be located in Fan Fest in the University Stadium Parking Lot, Stadium East.
University Stadium parking lot, Albuquerque, NM

Graduates from the College of Architecture, Construction and Planning, College of Business, College of Education and Human Development and the College of Public Policy will participate in the first commencement ceremony. President Romo will deliver the keynote address.
Alamodome

Graduates from the College of Engineering, College of Liberal and Fine Arts, College of Sciences and University College will participate in the second commencement ceremony. President Romo will deliver the keynote address.
Alamodome

All UTSA students, faculty and staff are invited to march with UTSA in the 30th annual MLK March. There will be a FREE shuttle from the UTSA Main Campus. Pick up in front of the Convocation Center at 8:30 a.m. Depart from UTSA at 9 a.m. Buses return to UTSA at 1 p.m
Convocation Center, Main Campus

UTSA's Department of Music hosts Dr. David Huron from Ohio State University as part of the Donald Hodges lecture series. Huron is a Canadian arts and humanities distinguished professor at Ohio State University.
John Peace Library, UTSA Faculty Center, (JPL 4.04.22), Main Campus

The Student Center for Community Engagement and Inclusion annually hosts a Volunteer Opportunities Fair to allow students, faculty and staff to learn about volunteer and service-learning opportunities in the San Antonio area.
University Center, 1st floor corridor, Main Campus

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The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.

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